Fiji Students to Gain Big with New PhD Scholarship Opportunities in Australia

Citizens of Fiji now have several options for pursuing PhD programs at renowned universities in Australia, thanks to a new cost-sharing sponsorship partnership. This initiative involves the Tertiary Scholarships and Loans Service (TSLS), Monash University, Swinburne University of Technology, and soon Griffith University. The partnership means that the government will cover expenses like overseas health insurance, airfare, stipends, and miscellaneous costs for students. In return, Monash University will waive full tuition fees for 15 students, while both Swinburne University and Griffith University will cover costs for five students each.

The TSLS has announced that applications for the PhD scholarships will be accepted year-round. Previously, four other Australian institutions entered similar agreements: the University of Newcastle, University of New South Wales, Queensland University of Technology, and Western Sydney University, increasing the total available scholarships under this initiative to 39.

Furthermore, the scholarship framework requires students to first complete their Master’s program before advancing to a PhD, either at a local university or under a separate scheme in New Zealand. In total, TSLS has confirmed that there are 49 scholarships available for the upcoming academic year.

Professor Craig Jeffrey, Monash University’s Deputy Vice Chancellor for international affairs, emphasized the significance of the agreement with TSLS, making the university a leading host for Fijian students in Australia. Dr. Hasmukh Lal, CEO of TSLS, noted that the cost-sharing scheme will not only benefit the students and their academic pursuits but also enhance the intellectual capacity of Fiji’s workforce. With projected savings of about $270,000 per student, the total financial benefit could reach approximately $10.5 million for the 39 scholarships offered, showcasing the strength of the partnerships formed with Australian universities.

This collaborative effort shines a positive light on educational opportunities for Fijian students abroad, fostering both academic growth and the development of a skilled workforce in Fiji.

In conclusion, this initiative represents a significant step forward for higher education in Fiji, opening doors for students to gain advanced knowledge and skills that can greatly benefit their home country.